ADVENTURE – Adventure (2025 Remaster)

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://apollonrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Originally released twenty-five years ago, what better way to mark the occasion and celebrate its anniversary than having Jacob Holm-Lupo remaster the material and release it on vinyl and digitally via Apollon Records Prog for the first time ever?!

Inspired by the likes of Camel and Uriah Heep, this self-titled offering is a rather intriguing entry in the Norwegian prog canon, and what immediately becomes apparent when spinning the disc is that the trio harbored a multitude of interesting ideas and that their creative juices were undoubtedly flowing rather uncontrollably when they conceived and recorded this epic and melodically strong opus all those years ago. While the remastering has done wonders for it in terms of creating a little more space between the instruments and giving them room to breathe, the production still feels somewhat “homemade,” but that is merely a part of its charm although a little ore punch would have been most welcome. Creative arrangements that are wide in scope, unexpected yet delightful turns, and heaps of memorable qualities define this sprawling piece of work -not least the folk-ish elements and moods that often sneak into the mix and add an uplifting vibe to the proceedings.

A few of the songs feel less distinctive and are merely mildly entertaining to listen to, but the chemistry between the group’s members is palpable, and unbridled passion underlies much of the song material that is presented here. A track such as “Winter Freeze” is simply prog rock excellence and delivers atmosphere and excitement in equal measure, and there are plenty of other thrilling moments to be discovered and reveled in throughout.   

There is a lot to enjoy on this likable album, which radiates vigor and conjures up the appealing warmth of some of Camel’s renowned LPs without striking the ears as being derivative or unoriginal.